What is the origin of the name Bidar?
The name Bidar appears to be derived from the Kannada word bidiru, which means bamboo. This linguistic root suggests a connection to the local flora that once covered the Deccan Plateau.
Questions about Bidar
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did Ahmed Shah Wali Bahmani shift his capital to Bidar?
Ahmed Shah Wali Bahmani shifted his capital from Gulbarga to Bidar in 1427 because the location offered better climatic conditions. The fertile land was rich with fruit-bearing trees, making it an ideal seat for power during the rule of Ahmad Shah I who governed from 1422 to 1486.
How many monuments are listed as tombs in Bidar according to official records?
About 30 of the 61 listed monuments are tombs located in and around the city according to the book Bidar Heritage published by the state Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage. This abundance has earned it the nickname City of Whispering Monuments.
What are the dimensions and features of the Bidar Karez system?
The Bidar Karez system was built in the 15th century and stretches more than 4 kilometers underground featuring 21 air vents that allowed fresh air to circulate through the network. Underground canals connected water streams to provide drinking water to civilian settlements and the garrison inside the fort.
When did Bidar officially become a City Corporation?
Bidar was officially upgraded from a City Municipal Council to a City Corporation in February 2025 after final approval came during another cabinet meeting following population thresholds over three lakh people. The decision was initially approved by the Karnataka state cabinet on the 17th of September 2024.